The Minister for Health and Care, the Hon Gemma Arias-Vasquez, held a press conference this afternoon to announce that the new Community Mental Health Facility will be located at Joshua Hassan House. This final decision follows careful consideration of the best possible location for the new Community Mental Health Hub, ensuring that it is fully accessible, fit for purpose and delivers the best value for money.

Whilst the Government acknowledges other locations have been announced for the facility, decisions have been made in the best interests of service users to secure the most suitable site. When the Minister for Health and Care, the Hon Gemma Arias-Vasquez, previously announced that the CMHT would be relocated to the old Gibraltar Chronicle Printworks, Joshua Hassan House was not an option. Now, having secured this location and the appropriate funding, the Government is fully committed to delivering this project at Joshua Hassan House. The Minister has consistently said that she will not shy away from turning away from a previous location; it is in the best interest of the user.

In addition to housing the new Community Mental Health Hub, the premises at Joshua Hassan House will also accommodate the relocation of the Citizens Advice Bureau and the Ombudsman’s Office.

This facility is part of a wider transformation in Mental Health services, spearheaded by this GSLP / Liberal administration. No previous government has matched our track record of investment and improvement in Mental Health services, with significant reforms introduced to enhance the care provided, increase accessibility and build new modern facilities. The creation of a new CMHT is just another example of the Government’s commitment to Mental Health services in Gibraltar.

The facility will operate a single point of access so that patients know where they have to attend with any mental health concerns. The facility will address biological, psychological and social factors, ensuring that treatment is holistic and personalised. Moving beyond a purely pharmacological approach, the new model will offer alternative treatments that focus on recovery and well-being. The Hub will serve as a central base for all Mental Health professionals, improving direct patient care, breaking down barriers to access, and ensuring that individuals receive the right support at the right time.

By streamlining communication between Mental Health professionals, external services, and third-party organisations, the new facility will enhance collaboration and strengthen Gibraltar’s Mental Health care network. Its location and design will reflect the Government’s dedication to ensuring that services are easy to access, inviting, and supportive for all those in need. The facility will also feature an outdoor area with natural greenery, designed to provide a calm and restorative environment for service users.

The Minister for Health and Care, the Hon Gemma Arias-Vasquez, said: "Our priority has always been to deliver the best possible facility for Mental Health service users and we have carefully considered every location to ensure this is the case. Joshua Hassan House was not available when I previously announced the relocation to the old Gibraltar Chronicle Printworks. Now that we have secured it, I am pleased to confirm that this will be the final and permanent home for our Community Mental Health Team. Although this is not just a relocation, it is a transformation in how we deliver mental health care in Gibraltar. This new facility will ensure that our services are fully integrated, accessible and person-centred. The GSLP / Liberal administration has led the most significant reforms and investment in Mental Health services Gibraltar has ever seen, and this new Hub is a further demonstration of that commitment. I am very excited to see this project become a reality."